The City is asking residents of Toronto to step forward and take advantage of opportunities to make a difference. Civic-minded volunteers are being asked to serve on challenging and interesting quasi-judicial bodies and City boards of directors that deliver key City services.

The newly-elected Toronto City Council is beginning the process of appointing the boards of directors for a wide variety of agencies, including the Board of Health, Exhibition Place, Heritage Toronto, Library Board, Licensing Tribunal, Parking Authority (Green P), Committee of Adjustment, Property Standards, and a variety of pension fund and investment boards. Prior to the election, Council approved a structured selection process to ensure that qualified candidates are selected for each position.

“As part of my new mandate, I am calling for increased engagement of Torontonians from all parts of the city and all backgrounds in the political process,” said Mayor David Miller. “I want them to have a direct say in the affairs that govern their city from the inside. These agencies, boards and commissions make tremendously important decisions on everything from public health to parking to the way our libraries function and I encourage all interested citizens to apply.”

These opportunities will attract people with a wide rage of expertise in many fields such as public health, real estate development, law, business, environment, financial management, adjudication, market development, public policy, urban planning, trade shows, heritage, literacy, and public safety. Interested people are encouraged to obtain background information about the appointments and to apply by January 10, 2007.

Council recognizes that Toronto is best served by boards that reflect the diversity of the community. Women, youth (ages 18 to 30), people with disabilities, Aboriginal/First Nations people, and members of racial minorities are especially encouraged to apply. Applicants do not have to be a Canadian citizen except for the Toronto Public Library Board, where legislation still requires citizenship.

For the first time, a City website has been developed to assist people interested in applying for City appointments. It provides a complete overview of the appointments process, eligibility requirements, and application forms. In addition, a number of information sessions have been scheduled in locations across the city, although participation is purely voluntary. For more information, visit the City’s website at http://www.toronto.ca/citizen-appointments.